Scratch Knock out
Well done to the scratch team who have defeated Disley 3-1 to secure a home fixture against Northenden in the Semi-finals of the scratch knock out.
Pete Watson won 5&4, Swifty won 2Up, and Gary Lardner won 3&2 to give Reddish a 3-1 win. Gary Hill was drawn against +3 James from Disley, only losing to a flurry of birdies over the closing holes.
Hole In One
Well done to John Lee who had a bit of a roller coaster top 5 on Saturday. John's round began 5,8,6,1 with a holed 6 iron to the 4th.
Things settled down after that and John played very well to finish with a 77 gross net 70.
John is also doing a tremendous job of introducing new people to the club, and since he re-joined Reddish John has introduced a total of four new members, with a potential fifth on the way.
Please remember that we are keen to attract new members so I would ask all members to be vigilant at all times.
Captain's Weekend
Who will win The Captain's? This one is the most desirable board to get your name on. The draw has been done and is on BRS. If you would like to play and are not in the draw, contact the Pro Shop as we can add you to any 2's looking for a third.
My Best Wishes to The Captain John Seaton ahead of this big weekend.
Starter Centre
As you can tell, I am very keen to welcome new people into the club. I am also very keen to welcome new players into the game and believe that we should be doing more to make things easier for people to take up golf.
This year I am specifically targeting ladies and juniors to take up golf as these are currently under- represented groups at Reddish Vale. This is part of my long term plan to increase our membership.
The transition from non-golfer into a regular playing, competent club member with handicap (the type of member all clubs are looking for) is quite a big one. One problem is that initially golf can be quite off putting due to its difficulty. For example, for a non-golfer to go straight onto the golf course it would be soul destroying, and making an idiot of yourself is the biggest turn off. Combine this with people's busy lives, lack of time and finance, as well as there being a general lack of driving ranges and especially par 3 courses which can get people started, and you can begin to understand the problem.
The most successful way that new players learn and develop is with shorter shots first, giving them a chance to get used to things like how to hold the club, and crucially gaining confidence and feeling progress before taking on longer shots.
I would like to create a starter centre at Reddish Vale. The problem we have at present is that the practice facilities (or lack of them) are holding things back. The practice 'field' at present is an embarrassment to show people and has neither greens, flags nor holes to play to - all of which are required for the most basic of learning.
It would be very simple and inexpensive really, but what we need is an improved practice area with basic (not course standard) greens, so that people can practice and learn there. Half an hour or an hour down there by the river would be time well spent. Perhaps we could create two or three chip and putt par 3's?
The 'field' isn't long enough to be a driving range, but could be a fantastic short game area. Think of this potential new facility as not only being hugely beneficial to existing members, but like stepping stones for learning golf and a pathway for new people into the club. This is an essential part of how I see my role in the future at the club.
Anyway, I have asked Nick to cut two or three basic 'greens' on the practice field so that there is a flag to aim at and a hole to get the ball into. We have the land; we have the right people to make this happen so I hope things can get started…
Ladies Open Day
The Ladies Open Day on Sunday was a bit of an unknown because we really didn't know how many people, if any, would turn up. Thankfully we got a response and I am pleased to tell you that several potential new lady golfers turned up.
The plan was to make people feel welcome and have fun. Well done to all of our ladies who got behind the event, who got it just right on the day and made it a real success. Tea and cakes (made by Sheila Cowlard), which were just too nice were followed by a trip to the practice field. All ladies played shots, I had a look at every swing and I can tell you there was definite potential there. This was followed by a putting competition the winner of which was Jane Cheslett who responded extremely well to some basic help. The Open Day will be followed with ladies group coaching in the near future. Most of the places are already taken!
Well, even though it was not the best first round, there is a long way to go and I am sticking with my prediction for the week who is Graeme MacDowell. Fellow Irishman Rory McIlroy stormed to the top of the leaderboard after day one with 6 under. Rory claimed at the start of the week that links isn't his favourite style of golf, but there is no reason why Rory can't keep up this great form all week. We haven't seen many links style shots played so far, but with the wind due to pick up over the weekend I am sure we will see plenty of the bump and runs we are accustom to seeing.
There were a few wild shots during yesterday's round, one being Ernie Els's failed attempt to 'just tap it in', Ernie 3 putted from just 6 inches due to carelessness. A bit of advice that even the Pro's should take on board, no matter how small the putt always take your time and give them the respect they deserve. Click the link to see this shocking display of putting, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF0zCauqHv4
Last night I received an urgent call from Henrik Stenson for my repair's services. During his torrid time in the rough his wedge took the force of his knee. Luckily I had his exact shaft in stock and could repair it immediately. If you ever feel the urge like Stenson then do not hesitate to bring me your damaged clubs, I will be happy to repair them. Click Here to see Stenson struggling to contain his frustration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpE01u5y0Lg
Well done to Chris Byrne getting his name up in gold, Chris decided to purchase the clearance Titleist 913 Driver in regular flex and shot a nett 63 on Saturday.
Chris has been in great form recently and I was not surprised when I heard of his score.
I think anyone playing this weekend at Hoylake would pay a lot of money for Chris's score.
Wednesday was also a Major; Stewart McIntosh won the Frank Brown Shield with a nett 66 beating Don Roberts on a countback.
Sunday's Pro's Stableford was won by Ryan Swift with 39 points, Ryan has been struggling with his putting and has recently purchased a Winn Jumbo putter grip, an immediately felt the benefits especially on his short putts. Simon Davenport finished second with 37 points on a countback from Kevin McCrevey Snr and Paul Wade.
To see all results. Click here
'Those who know buy from their pro'
We had 3 visitors this week from a well-known local retailer, who were surprised and commented that our prices are noticeably cheaper than theirs! We will price match any price higher than ours no problem!
